Southern California -- this just in

Cold storm expected to hit L.A. area with rain and gusty winds

A cold front is expected to hit the Los Angeles region early Wednesday, bringing gusty winds and up to 2 inches of rain in mountain areas, the National Weather Service said.

The front will bring rain for about three to four hours, likely by the afternoon, but will be quickly pushed out of the region by strong high-altitude winds, the Weather Service said Tuesday night.

Snow levels will be above 7,500 feet, and the temperature in mountain areas could drop quickly, prompting the agency to advise people at higher elevations to be prepared for cold conditions if they venture outdoors.

"People hiking in the high country need to be aware ... of this potentially dangerous situation," the agency said in a statement.